HOUSTON - Larry Johnson always felt he was too good to be a backup. On Sunday night he proved it.

Johnson broke the Chiefs’ rushing record with 211 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead Kansas City to a 45-17 win over the hapless Houston Texans on Sunday night.

The previous record was 200 yards, set by Barry Word in 1990.

Johnson, in his third year, has gained more than 100 yards in both of his starts since Priest Holmes was placed on injured reserve because of head and neck injuries.

“When it’s never been done before that’s outstanding,” Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said of Johnson’s record.

Johnson got going in the first quarter when he slashed up the middle of Houston’s porous run defense and shook off four would-be tacklers before scoring on a 23-yard run to put Kansas City (6-4) up 10-0.

He extended the lead to 24-7 with a 1-yard run in the second period after Houston’s Phillip Buchanon was called for pass interference. That score was set up by a fumble by Houston receiver Andre Johnson.

The 211 yards were the most allowed to a single player in Texans history and the seventh time this season an opponent has gained more than 100 yards against Houston’s NFL-worst run defense.

Johnson was supposed to come into the interview room after the game, but then told Chiefs officials he wouldn’t talk.

“We were looking for big things from him,” Chiefs quarterback Trent Green said. “It’s very important for him to come up big. When Larry’s had opportunities to play, he’s played well.”

The Texans (1-9), who have looked slightly improved in recent weeks, were back to their old selves against the Chiefs.

They had only 129 yards at halftime to 292 by Kansas City, which piled up 31 first-half points a week after managing only three points in a loss at Buffalo.

Slide show   NFL week 11 See the best images from Sunday's action.

David Carr threw an interception just before the break that Eric Warfield returned 57 yards for a touchdown. Carr was in position to tackle Warfield before he reached the end zone, but instead stood with his arms outstretched and appeared to yell at his teammates to help.

“This is not the way we’re going to play,” Texans owner Bob McNair said. “We’ll do whatever we have to to improve the situation. We’re all disappointed. This is not what we’re about.”

When asked if coach Dom Capers could lose his job this week, McNair said making changes during the season just “makes things worse.”

Carr was 19-of-36 for 182 yards and fumbled twice, but was only sacked season-low one time. Houston converted just one of 11 third downs.